–(Mark)–
Since I've decided that I would be joining the swim team when school started, I plan to include swimming into my daily routine so I can get in the groove of things. It's been a while since I last swam.
I didn't have any swim trunks that fit me anymore, so I had to go to the sports store to get new ones. I decided that I would use trunks for the time being since I did not need to get jammers until tryouts. While I wasn't ashamed of my sizable member, I definitely didn't want everyone to know I was big in every department.
I got ready to leave the house and started to walk to the sports store. These walks were nice, but I did need to think about getting a car or maybe even a motorcycle at some point. Walking everywhere would get boring quickly.
When I arrived at the storefront, I entered the store and quickly looked around to find where the water sports section was. Luckily, they had trunks in my size, although they were a bit tight. They would serve their purpose for the time being. I also found out that they didn't carry jammers in my size, so I had to order a couple online if I wanted them by next week when school started. I bought the trunks, put them in my sling backpack, and made my way to the indoor pool that I found on maps.
I reached the pool entrance and walked up to the front desk, asking the attendant if I needed a membership. The attendant, a cheerful middle-aged woman, looked up from her computer and smiled.
"Yes, you do need a membership. But we have a few options: a day pass, a monthly membership, or an annual one. Are you planning to swim regularly?"
"Yes, I plan to join the high school swim team, so I'll need regular access," I replied. I wanted to add swimming into my schedule even if I didn't have practice at school.
"Great! In that case, I'd recommend the monthly membership to start. If you find yourself coming here often, you can switch to the annual plan anytime. The monthly membership is $40, and it includes unlimited access to the pool and the gym facilities. Just make sure that your parent or guardian signs this form by next week."
"Sounds good. I'll go with the monthly membership for now," I said, pulling out my wallet.
After filling out some paperwork and paying the fee, the attendant handed me a membership card. "Welcome to the pool! The locker rooms are down the hall to your left. Enjoy your swim!"
"Thanks," I said, heading towards the locker rooms. Inside, I quickly changed into my new trunks, stowing my clothes and bag in a locker. The trunks were a bit tight, but they'd do for now.
I walked out to the pool area, taking in the familiar smell of chlorine and the sound of water splashing. It felt good to be back. I approached one of the empty lanes, stretching briefly before diving in. The cool water enveloped me, and I started with a few warm-up laps, finding my rhythm.
As I swam, I focused on my technique, making sure my strokes were smooth and efficient. Muscle memory kicked in, and I felt more comfortable with each lap. Swimming always had a calming effect on me, helping to clear my mind and burn off excess energy. After about an hour, I finished my workout, feeling both a bit exhausted and exhilarated.
I climbed out of the pool, grabbing a towel from a nearby rack. As I dried off, I noticed a group of kids at the other end of the pool, participating in a swim lesson. I did get a few stares from people. Whether it was due to my size or the scars that ran across my chest, I wouldn't know. But I know that getting this much attention started to push my buttons. Don't people know it's rude to stare at someone?
Their coach, a tall, lean man with a whistle around his neck, was giving them instructions. He caught sight of me and walked over. Great, now I'm going to have some Karen telling me I need to cover my scars.
"Hey there, you're new here, right?" he asked, extending a hand. "I'm Coach Harris and I'm the swim coach for the High School. I volunteer here over the summer teaching kids to swim."
"Yeah, just moved to Beacon Hills. I'm Mark," I said, shaking his hand after giving it a look for a second.
"Nice to meet you, Mark. I saw you swimming and couldn't help but notice you've got good form. Are you planning to join the swim team at Beacon Hills High School?" Guess not everyone is out to get me.
"That's the plan. I've been out of the water for a bit, so I'm getting back into the groove of things," I replied.
"Well, from what I saw, you're doing great. If you need any tips or advice, feel free to ask. You don't have the typical swimmer's build, which tends to be more lean muscle, but you make up for it with the amount of power you put behind those strokes of yours. We're always looking for strong swimmers to join the team."
"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind."
"Good to hear. The team tryouts take place the Friday during the first week of school, so I'll probably see you then. Take care, Mark."
"You too."
I headed back to the locker room, showered, and changed into my regular clothes. Again, getting the stares of a few guys. Where's the bro code when you need it? However, I did see someone who had a bit of lust in his gaze. Not that I don't lean both ways, but I wasn't in the right headspace to be in any type of relationship.
After changing, I left the pool and walked around. Beacon Hills was a quaint town with a mix of old and new buildings. I wandered through the streets, getting a feel for the place. I found the small café that Scott mentioned the first time I met him and decided to grab a coffee.
As I sat there, sipping my drink, I noticed a group of teenagers about my age hanging out together. They looked like they were having a good time, and for a moment, I felt a pang of loneliness. Moving to a new place was always tough, and making new friends was even tougher.
I thought about Scott and Stiles. They seemed like good guys, and I hoped I could get to know them better.
I finished my coffee and headed home, feeling more settled than I had in a while. Back at the house, I fixed myself a quick dinner and settled in front of my computer. I had a few hours before bed and decided to play some games online with Noah. Logging into our favorite game, I saw Noah was already online and joined his group.
"Hey, Lil man," I greeted him through the headset.
"Hey, Mars! How's it going?" Noah replied.
"Pretty good. I went swimming today, getting ready to join the swim team at school."
"That's awesome! How was it?"
"Not bad. Met the coach, too. He seems like a cool guy. How's everything with you?"
"Same old, same old. School's been a bore everything is easy, but I've been looking forward to gaming tonight."
We played for a couple of hours, laughing and strategizing as we took on various missions and challenges. It felt good to unwind and connect with Noah, even if it was just through a screen. After a particularly intense match, I checked the time and realized it was getting late.
"Alright, man, I should probably call it a night. It's getting late," I said, stifling a yawn.
"Yeah, me too. Thanks for playing, Mars. It was fun."
"Anytime, Noah. Have a good night, and don't forget about your birthday this Friday. I got a surprise for you."
"Wouldn't miss it. Night, Mars."
"Night, Noah."
I logged off, stretching before heading to bed. Playing with Noah online was slowly building back the relationship that we used to have. I think the move was the best decision that I made.